Device and method for extinguishing a candle flame

ABSTRACT

A device for extinguishing a candle flame, in which a small quantity of water is discharged under pressure as an aerosolized, conically shaped, filled spray of small water droplets directed against the flame to extinguish it and prevent burning and smoking of the wick of the candle. The quantity of water discharged in each dispensing cycle is only up to about 1 ml, and preferably no more than about 0.50 ml in finger pumps, with 0.080 ml being the preferred quantity. The water droplets have a size ranging from about one micron to about one thousand microns, distributed over a steep bell curve, and in a preferred embodiment average only about sixty-five to seventy microns. The device can be a finger pump, or a trigger-actuated dispenser, or a pressurized aerosol dispenser, in which the water is discharged through an orifice having a diameter of only 0.10 to 0.25 inch. Carbon dioxide can be used as a propellant gas, and can be discharged with the water to facilitate extinguishment of the flame. A carbon block having CO 2  adsorbed therein may be placed in the aerosol container to replace CO 2  depleted through use, to thereby maintain a desired pressure in the container. A surfactant may be added to produce a light foaming of the discharged water.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to devices and methods for extinguishing candles,and more particularly to devices and methods that utilize a fine aqueousmist to extinguish the candle flame.

BACKGROUND ART

Devices for snuffing out candles have been known for hundreds of years.These devices essentially comprise an elongate handle with a cup orbell-shaped housing on one end that is placed over the candle flame todeprive it of oxygen and snuff out the flame.

In spite of their effectiveness in snuffing out the flame, conventionalcandle snuffers fail to prevent the candle from smoking after the flameis extinguished. This smoke is produced as a result of burning of thewick. During the time a candle flame burns, the liquefied tallow or waxmaterial of the candle is drawn upwardly through the wick, and it isthis liquefied material that burns. When the flame is extinguished withconventional candle snuffers, the wick itself burns and smolders for ashort period of time, producing undesirable smoke and soot and damagingand shortening the life of the wick. Conventional candle snuffers arenot operable to reduce the temperature of the wick sufficiently toprevent it from burning and smoldering for a short period of time afterthe flame is extinguished.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,581 to Harrison addresses this problem by combininga conventional candle snuffer with means for producing a mist of waterto suppress the production and dispersion of smoke from the wick.According to the disclosure in this patent, the candle snuffer isoperative to work as a conventional snuffer, as well as to impart ascrubber-type function, namely, extinguish a candle flame while removingor otherwise preventing smoke from entering and dispersing into thesurrounding atmosphere (column 3, lines 58-62). The quantity of waterdischarged upon operation of the pump, and the pressure and droplet sizeof the mist are not disclosed. Thus, it is not clear whether thequantity and nature of the mist produced by this device would be capableof extinguishing the candle flame if the snuffer were not used, or ifthe quantity and nature of the mist might be capable of wetting anddamaging furniture or other materials adjacent the candle, or for thatmatter, whether the device disclosed in this patent is operative tocompletely prevent burning of the wick after the flame is extinguished.Further, the device disclosed in this patent has some of the samedisadvantages as conventional candle snuffers, e.g., molten wax from thecandle may adhere to the snuffer when it is used.

Accordingly, there is need for a simple and inexpensive device andmethod that utilizes an aqueous mist to extinguish a candle flame andprevent burning of the candle wick after the flame is extinguished,without wetting and potentially damaging adjacent furniture or otheraccessories, and without necessitating contact between the device andthe candle.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a device and method that utilizes anaqueous mist to extinguish a candle flame and prevent burning of thecandle wick after the flame is extinguished, thereby avoiding theproduction of smoke and prolonging the life of the wick.

The device of the invention produces a spray of aerosolized water thatis directed against the flame and wick of a burning candle to extinguishthe flame and cool the wick without saturating it, and without requiringcontact or near contact with the candle. The spray has a predeterminedspray pattern and droplet size and is at a predetermined pressure toextinguish the candle flame and prevent burning of the wick withoutcausing wetting and potential damage to adjacent furniture andaccessories, and without saturating the wick with water.

A finger pump, trigger sprayer, pressurized aerosol dispenser, or otherapparatus may be used to produce the spray, in which the water dropletshave a size distribution from about one up to about one thousandmicrons, with a very steep bell curve. For extinguishing candlestypically found in the home, the average droplet size preferably is fromabout sixty-five to about seventy microns.

Further, in a preferred construction the device dispenses a meteredquantity of water sufficient just to extinguish the flame and preventburning of the wick. Finger pumps, for instance, may be constructed todispense only up to 0.50 ml with each dispensing cycle, although just0.08 ml of water is preferred. Similarly, trigger sprayers may beconstructed to dispense only up to about 0.50 ml of water in eachdispensing cycle.

Additionally, the device of the invention is constructed to produce aconical spray pattern that is filled (not hollow in the center) and hasa diameter of approximately two to three inches at a distance of aboutfour or five inches from the spray nozzle. This spray pattern results inconcentration of spray over a limited central area at a limited range,whereby the amount of over spray is minimized and the amount of spraydirected against the flame and wick is maximized.

To produce the desired spray pattern, an orifice size of from 0.10 to0.25 inch preferably is used in a mechanical break up nozzle to producea full spray. In mechanically pressurized devices, e.g., finger operatedpumps, a 0.012 inch mechanical break up insert may be placed in a Santosbutton, available from Precision Valve Corporation of Yonkers, N.Y.Pressurized aerosol dispensers used in the invention are designed toproduce a pressure of from about 25 to about 100 psig, and use a0.013-inch MBST actuator, also by Precision Valve.

A pressurized aerosol dispenser according to the invention may use air,nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, or other suitable gas as thepropellant. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is particularly suitable, because as aninert gas it tends to deprive the flame of oxygen and extinguish theflame even in the absence of water. Thus, when CO₂ is sprayed from thedispenser it can be effective in helping to extinguish the flame, whilethe water sprayed from the dispenser can be effective both inextinguishing the flame and in cooling the wick to prevent it fromburning and smoking when the flame is extinguished.

An aerosol dispenser that sprays a mixture of CO₂ and water can bedesigned to produce a light, fog-like mist containing very smalldroplets and bubbles and that is particularly effective as a flameextinguisher. A surfactant can be added to the product to enhance thiseffect by causing a very light foaming action. A small quantity of thefoam can lightly cover the wick to assist in preventing burning andsmoking of the wick after the flame is extinguished.

Further, the water used in the sprayer of the invention can bede-ionized and/or de-mineralized to minimize spotting or other damage tosurfaces of furniture, accessories, and the like that may be contactedby the spray.

The sprayers used in the various forms of the invention can be ofsimple, economical construction, and can utilize conventional sprayers,e.g., a Precision Valve Corporation P4-1 pump modified as necessary toincorporate the inventive features discussed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing as well as other objects and advantages of the inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description whenconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference characters designate like parts throughout the several views,and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view depicting a candle beingextinguished with a finger pump type sprayer according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view in elevation of a trigger-actuated sprayeraccording to the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view in elevation of a pressurized aerosol dispenseraccording to the invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, longitudinal sectional view of a pressurizedaerosol dispenser according to the invention, wherein a CO₂ propellantis used to pressurize and dispense the water, and a carbon materialblock in which a quantity of CO₂ has been adsorbed is placed in thecontainer to replenish the CO₂ and maintain a desired pressure in thecontainer as the product is used.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 4, depicting a modificationin which a quantity of gas adsorbent material is contained in a pouch tostore a quantity of CO₂ that is released to maintain pressure in thecontainer as product is depleted.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1, a first form of the invention is indicatedgenerally at 10, wherein a finger pump type dispenser 11 is used topressurize and dispense water as a fine mist or spray 12 onto the flameF and wick W of a candle C to extinguish the flame and cool the wick toprevent burning of the wick and the concomitant production of smoke. Thedispenser 11 may comprise an economical conventional design, modified toincorporate the inventive features therein, i.e., a mechanical break upnozzle to produce an aerosolized, conically shaped full spray of waterhaving a diameter of about 2-3 inches at a distance of about 4-5 inchesfrom the nozzle, and very small droplets having a size range of fromabout 1 micron up to about 1,000 microns, distributed over a very steepbell curve. Preferably, the average droplet size is in the range of fromabout 65 to about 70 microns.

To produce the desired spray pattern and preferred droplet sizedistribution, a 0.012-inch mechanical break up insert 13 is placed in aSantos button 14, both available from Precision Valve Corporation ofYonkers, N.Y. The pump 11 shown in FIG. 1 may comprise this type ofpump.

A metered quantity of water sufficient just to extinguish the flame andprevent burning and smoking of the wick may be sprayed by the dispenser.One suitable pump is the 0.08 ml dosage P4-1 pump, available fromPrecision Valve Corporation. The pump 11 shown in FIG. 1 may comprisethis type of pump.

Details of the insert, button and dosage pump are not provided hereinsince those elements can be readily identified and obtained fromPrecision Valve Corporation to practice the invention as describedherein. In this regard, it should be understood that suitable equivalentstructures also may be available from other sources.

In use, the sprayer of the invention is held a suitable distance fromthe flame, e.g., about 4 or 5 inches, and the pump depressed to directan aerosolized spray of water against the flame and the wick toextinguish the flame and to cool the wick to prevent burning and smokingof it. The characteristics of the spray are such that it substantiallydissipates before it can strike the surface of furniture or otheraccessory adjacent the candle.

A variation of the invention is indicated generally at 15 in FIG. 2,wherein an economical conventional trigger actuated dispenser 16 ismodified to incorporate a 0.012 mechanical breakup insert 13 and ametering chamber (not shown) having a small volume, e.g., up to about1.0 ml. This form of the invention operates to produce a high-pressurespray with very small water droplets, essentially as described above inconnection with the FIG. 1 embodiment, and to avoid duplication is notfurther described herein.

A third variation of the invention is indicated generally at 20 in FIGS.3 and 4. In this form of the invention, a pressurized aerosol dispenser21 is used to produce the aerosolized spray for extinguishing the candleflame and preventing burning and smoking of the wick. The dispenser 21may be of economical conventional construction modified to produce thespray characteristics discussed above in relation to FIG. 1, e.g., analuminum container 22 (CCL Industries) having a 1 inch aerosol valve 23with a 0.013 inch orifice (0.013-inch MBST actuator by Precision ValveCorporation), a 0.010 inch vapor tap, a 0.060 inch body orifice, a diptube 24 of appropriate length, and a pressure in the container of 25 to100 psig.

Air can be used as the propellant in the pressurized aerosol dispenser21, but it is preferable to use any suitable inert gas that does notsupport combustion, e.g., argon, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is shown being used in the aerosol dispenser inFIGS. 4 and 5. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a cohesive block orbody 30 of gas adsorbent material in which a quantity of CO₂ has beenadsorbed by exposure to a pressurized atmosphere of CO₂ is placed in thecontainer. Although the block 30 is shown as having a disc shape, itshould be understood that the body can have any desired operable shape.

In the FIG. 5 embodiments, a quantity of the gas adsorbent material iscontained in a pouch or membrane 31 that is permeable to the gas.

The gas adsorbent material in either form of the invention may comprisegranular activated carbon (GAC), Zeolite, or other gas adsorbentmaterial or compound. One suitable material comprises a synthetic formof Zeolite known as MOLSIV (molecular sieve) type 13X-A, available fromUOP in Alabama. Another synthetic form available from UOP is referred toas M5D5 13X 10×20.

A quantity of water 32 is introduced into the container, and CO₂ (orargon, nitrogen or other suitable gas) is then pumped into the containerto fill the remaining space, whereby the water occupies 2% to 50%, byvolume, of the space, and the gas occupies the remaining space, i.e.,98% to 50%, by volume. As the product (water) is depleted from aconventional aerosol dispenser, there is a reduction of the pressure inthe container. However, as the water is depleted and the pressuredecreases in the invention, additional CO₂ is released from the gasadsorbent material, e.g., the block of carbon 30 or the pouch 31, torestore the volume of gas and thus maintain the pressure in thecontainer. The amount of CO₂ adsorbed in the gas adsorbent material issufficient to maintain the desired pressure in the container until allthe product (water) is depleted.

In a preferred embodiment, a small portion of the CO₂ is dischargedthrough the vapor tap in the aerosol valve and mixes with the water togenerate a very fine bubbling reaction, producing a fog-like dischargeof water and CO₂ consisting of very small droplets and bubbles that isvery effective in extinguishing the flame.

A surfactant may be added to the water to enhance this effect and causea very light foaming action. In this variation, a minute quantity of thefoam would adhere to or very lightly coat the wick to enhance the actionof the spray in avoiding burning and smoking of the wick after the flameis extinguished.

The water in all forms of the invention may be de-ionized and/orde-mineralized to minimize or avoid spotting or other damage to surfacesthat might be contacted by the water when it is used to extinguish acandle flame.

Although particular embodiments of the invention are illustrated anddescribed in detail herein, it is to be understood that various changesand modifications may be made to the invention without departing fromthe spirit and intent of the invention as defined by the scope of theappended claims.

1. A device for extinguishing a candle flame, comprising: a containerfor holding a quantity of water; means associated with the container fordischarging under pressure during a dispensing cycle only up to about1.0 ml of the water as an aerosolized, fog-like spray of water dropletshaving a size of from about 1.0 to about 1000 microns distributed over asteep bell curve, and dispersed in a filled conical spray patterninsufficient to wet a surrounding surface, but sufficient to encompassthe flame of a candle to extinguish the flame when the device is held inspaced relationship to the candle flame and without requiring contactbetween the device and the candle or the candle flame.
 2. previouslycancelled
 3. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the quantity ofwater discharged in each dispensing cycle is only about 0.50 ml.
 4. Adevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the quantity of water dischargedin each dispensing cycle is only about 0.08 ml.
 5. A device as claimedin claim 1, wherein: the size of the water droplets averages from about65 microns to about 70 microns
 6. previously cancelled.
 7. A device asclaimed in claim 3, wherein: the means associated with the containercomprises a finger pump 8-17. previously cancelled
 18. A device asclaimed in claim 12, wherein: the means associated with the containercomprises a finger pump dispenser having an actuator button with a0.012-inch mechanical break up insert to produce said droplet size andfull conical spray pattern. 19-24. previously cancelled
 25. A device forextinguishing a candle flame, comprising: a container holding a quantityof non-flammable fluid; discharge means associated with the containerfor discharging under pressure during a dispensing cycle a short burstof the fluid sufficient to extinguish the flame and prevent smoking ofthe candle when the discharge means is held in spaced relationship tothe candle, without requiring contact between the device and the candleor the candle flame.
 26. A device as claimed in claim 25, wherein: thefluid comprises water, and a quantity of the water is discharged duringa dispensing cycle sufficient only to extinguish the candle flame butinsufficient to wet a surrounding surface.